How to deal with difficult neighbours?

With nearly every third project I am involved in as an architect, there are some difficulties with neighbours. The reasons why neighbours complain when construction work is about to begin next door are multiple. But the number of complaints is exceptional and surprising, with the result being much the same every time. The complaints cause stress and sometimes delay the project, In most cases, the complaints by neighbours cost my clients money. I will focus here on the solution to this problem rather than the reasons for it. 

Neighbourly relationships can be challenging or they can be good, just as with any other relationship.  You can only be responsible for your part. That means having good personal boundaries, being clear on your goal and maintaining honest and open communication.
Here are some simple steps on how to deal with real-life situations with your difficult neighbours:

1. Inform your neighbours about your proposed project early.

Let your direct neighbours know that you planning to do work on your property. If you have an idea when you plan to start the process, let them know the dates. Once your design proposal is confirmed on paper, consider sharing it with your direct neighbours. You can show them only the outline of the footprint and external elevations if you want to keep your property interior private. Let them know this is what you are intending to do and offer to meet up and speak about it if they wish to.

2. Introduce them to your Architect.

If you are working with an architect, make the introduction to the neighbours, or at least share the architect’s contact details. Your architect is better equipped to explain the proposal and rectify any concerns that your neighbours might have. Also, the architect is a third party who will disappear once the work is completed. When your architect takes on the negotiations with the neighbours, you are not directly involved in the discussion. This can be an advantage for your long-term relationship with the people next door.

3. How to handle neighbour’s concerns in the design stage?

Some people will rise objections in the early stage of the project. If that happens, listen to them, try to understand and consider how the issues can be resolved. Ideally, you should do this with the support of your architect. Don’t ask your neighbours if they like or agree with your proposal. This is not their decision to make - that relates to the personal boundaries mentioned above. Do your best to rectify their concerns and move on to the next stage. Submit your plans to the local authority if planning is required. If the neighbours seek a conversation with you, try to remain positive and open to their suggestions but don’t get involved in discussions which are leading nowhere or getting heated.  Let your architect take over. Unhappy neighbours will most likely submit objections concerning your project to the local planning authority.

4. How to handle neighbour’s concerns in the planning stage?

Depending on the type of planning consent you are seeking, there will be a so-called ‘consultation’ period of 4-6 weeks during which neighbours or anyone affected by the proposal can write to the council and comment on the proposal. The council will only take into account objections based on facts. If a neighbour states:  “The proposed ground floor extension will have a negative impact on the quality of my life”, this will not be taken into account. (This is a real example of an objection received by the local authority for one of our projects completed earlier this year).

In most cases, the objections are related to daylight and sunlight issues, overviewing of neighbouring properties or changing the character of the area. The first step is to answer the concern formally, addressing the case officer at the local authority. The answer has to include enough pieces of evidence to rectify all of the neighbour's concerns. Your architect who submitted the application on your behalf should write this letter.

In these situations, it is likely that the planning officers will want to visit your property and examine the situation in person. In most cases, this goes in your favour as you can meet the case officer and have a conversation. Planning officers are usually supportive and clear about what is needed to bring a proposal to approval stage. If any adjustment to the proposal has to be made, the case officer will request it formally from your architect.

If the proposal doesn’t breach any of the planning policies and guides, and the neighbour's concerns are handled appropriately the application is likely to be approved.

5. Other possible implications for your proposal

Apart from the obvious, such as neighbours being moody and avoiding you because the proposal received planning, they can continue to be difficult by not consenting to party wall agreements if these are required. They may also put in complaints to the local authority regarding noise and dust during the construction process.

Concerning the party wall - the short answer is no - they cannot prevent a party wall agreement. They might make you pay additional money for surveyors but eventually, a party wall award will be issued one way or another. An article on that topic will be published shortly. As for the noise and dust - there is a level of distribution, which each one of us needs to accept from time to time. This is how the local authority will view your construction work. Your contractors have to work in accordance with the normal working hours allowed for your area. As long as they are following health & safety procedures and making sure that shared roads and communal spaces are kept clean and tidy, there is little that the neighbours can achieve with their complaints..

As I said at the beginning, there is only so much you can control when it comes to dealing with neighbours. You can decide on your approach and behaviour, so always begin with the best intentions and a positive attitude. Who knows, one day maybe your neighbour will wish for more space, a new loft or rear extension and will need your approval! Be the bigger person, be graceful and generous, and help them along the way. It’s good karma and it will pay positive dividends.